Mission Specific Goals

This section is designed to let our followers learn about the goals, visions and intentions we carry when traveling on an expedition.

Our global marine environment is of upmost importance to us, and we always consider conserving, restoring and raising awareness for the vulnerable regions we visit.

We hope you will follow us as we continue our quest to awaken & activate the environmental spirit in us all!

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The Eco-Odyssey Amazon Expedition

November 13th-December14th, 2011

Eco-Odyssey team members have traveled to one of the most spectacular natural wonders on the planet; Amazonas. The largest state in Brazil, 'Amazonas' is named after the longest river in the world, the Amazon.

On November 13th, Janot Prat and Cara Blomfield began a month long journey up the 'Rio Negro' and various other tributaries; venturing into the dense rainforest defining this rich South American terrain.

Working in conjunction with 'Worldwise Expeditions', the Eco-Odyssey team will explore, document, and report their experiences during this once in a lifetime adventure. Most importantly, achieving specific goals will be an important focus during the expedition.

◆ The Eco-Odyssey foundationis committed to increasing awareness of theAmazon region and highlighting its precious role in balancing our global environment.

◆ Moreover, the observations conducted during this adventure will be compared to past findings from the 2001 Blakexpeditions Amazon mission.

Team member Janot Prat worked alongside the late Sir Peter Blake on the ill-fated Blakexpedition voyage in 2001, and will be re-visiting regions along the Amazon in the hopes of exposing current key environmental issues and continuing to honor the past works of Sir Peter Blake.

Here are the Mission Specific Goals for our 2011 Expedition to the Amazon:

■ Photography, videography, logs, and blogs. Documenting every stage of the adventure as to facilitate translating experiences in real time, and sharing 'life on the Amazon' with the world.

◆ Manaus is key economic and social center for the Amazon. With half of the population of Amazonas residing in Manaus, exploration and observation are a must. Local Fish markets, key environmental government departments, and local populace are valuable indicators in understanding current living conditions, local economies, and environmental concerns within this region.

■ Cultural exploration and discoveries along the Rio Negro and up to the confluence of the Casiquiare and Orinoco rivers. Visiting remote villages, settlements, and local Indigenous populations will be a unique opportunity to observe regional concerns, note new developments and changes to regions previously explored with Blakexpeditions 2001.

◆ Note established Sanctuaries, Habitats, and Wildlife areas. Identity local indigenous and foreign use of natural resources. Consider and document changes since last observed.

■ Connect and re-connect with the fascinating Amazon region. Embrace the isolation of this world and take in every unique sight, smell, and smile. Eco-Odyssey hopes this year's participants will draw us into the Amazon; creating a heightened awareness and cultivating our hopes to safeguard this precious region and conserve its remaining natural resources, living ecosystems, and indigenous settlements.

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Eco-Odyssey's Expedition to Niue

September 15th-October 1st, 2011

Niue is the very special 'Rock of Polynesia' found 2,400 square kilometers from New-Zealand. A self-governing nation, Niue is in free association with NZ and the estimated 1,400 local residents are also citizens of New-Zealand.

Why Niue?

Eco-Odyssey values all of the special ocean wonders of our world, and by travelling to secluded and virtually untouched areas like Niue, we hope to highlight and showcase the unparalleled beauty and worth of pacific islands nations.

Translating as 'behold the coconut' Niue is in fact one of the largest coral islands in the world. Reef surrounds the nation almost entirely, with only one break in the reef near the capital Alofi.

With a diameter of a mere 18 kilometers, Niue's landmass is tiny compared to the world of ocean encircling it. Spectacular limestone cliffs dominate the coastline where crystal clear waters meet the land.

Marine Conservation

Every year Niue welcomes very special visitors stopping in during their annual migrations. Humpback whales frolic the waters of Niue, often only meters from shore, for about three months; a period many believe the whales rest, play and teach their calf, and prepare for the long journey to feed in Antarctica. Tourism in Niue centers benefits immensely from these mammals, as it remains one of the few places where humans can interact with them in the wild.

Eco-Odyssey would love to opportunity to showcase theses magnificent animals and hopefully contribute to educating and engaging people worldwide about the brilliance of whales. Still hunted in parts of the world, we hope to share our efforts to raise awareness to the value of whales in our oceans, and the need for their immediate conservation.

Through our explorations and adventures in Niue, we will work to discover the wonders of this island paradise, form land to sea and beyond...

-Team Eco-Odyssey

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Did you know?

In the US alone, 100 million discarded plastic bags end up in the environment. They block drains and other waterways, entangle sea birds, choke marine animals and, as they disintegrate in the ocean, work their way into the food chain.